parks
Local residents in Mexia celebrate Juneteenth
By Chantale Belefanti at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· June 20, 2026
· 2 min read
Our local neighbors in Mexia are celebrating the 161st Juneteenth celebration on land that was purchased by freed slaves. Local neighbors talk about the impact of Juneteenth. Mexia celebrates 161 years of Juneteenth Weekend celebrations continue on Saturday at 5 pm at Booker T. Washington Park in...
Key takeaway Mexia celebrates 161 years of Juneteenth Weekend celebrations continue on Saturday at 5 pm at Booker T.
Why this matters in The Waco
The 161st Juneteenth celebration in Mexia is a testament to the city's rich history and the significance of this event in the community. The fact that the celebration takes place on land purchased by freed slaves adds a layer of depth to the commemoration, highlighting the connection to the past and the importance of preserving this heritage. The involvement of direct descendants in overseeing the celebration at Booker T. Washington Park ensures a sense of continuity and authenticity. As local residents like Thelma Gee-Brown and Billy Touchstone work to keep this tradition alive, it's clear that Juneteenth is not just a celebration, but a way to pass down history and cultural identity to younger generations. The event's focus on freedom and community is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving local history and cultural heritage in McLennan County and surrounding areas like Mexia.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: June 20, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Our local neighbors in Mexia are celebrating the 161st Juneteenth celebration on land that was purchased by freed slaves. Local neighbors talk about the impact of Juneteenth. Mexia celebrates 161 years of Juneteenth Weekend celebrations continue on Saturday at 5 pm at Booker T. Washington Park in...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 20, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Chantale Belefanti at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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